Fire extinguishing method and apparatus



Aug. 29, 1944.

H. v WILLIAMSON 2,357,039

FIRE EXTINGUISHING METHOD AND APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheetl Filed Jan. 3, 1942 Jo HZ! VII ll O I 11g. 5 mm I 1944. H. v. WILLIAMSON I 2,357,039

FIRE EXTINGUISHING METHOD AND APPARATUS Filed Jan. 3, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 dill 9, 1 H. v. WI LIAMSON 2,351,0 9

FIRE EXTINGUISHING METHOD AND APPARATUS Filed Jan. Z5, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Williwm'm Aug. 29, 1944. H. v. WILLIAMSON 4 2,357,039

' FIRE EXTINGUISHING METHOD AND APPARATUS Filed Jan. 3, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet. 4

Patented Aug. 29; 1944 FIRE EXTINGUISHING METHOD AND- APPARATUS llilding v. Williamson, Chicago, 111., assignon-b! mesne assignments, to Reconstruction Finance Corporation, Chicago. Ill, a corporation or the United States.

Application January 3, 19 42, Serial No. 425,568

33 Claims.

T'hisinvention relates to a new method of disch r ing carbon dioxide tor extinguishing fires, more particularly outdoor tires, by direct application of the extinguishing medium, and apparatus for carrying out said method.

, g In patent numbered 2,143,31l,-*issued to Eric Geertz, there is disclosed andclaimed a method or extinguishing tires which involves the use of liquid carbon dioxide at a constant. subatmospheric temperature and its corresponding vapor pressure, as the extinguishing medium. One of the outstanding novel ifeatures of this patented method, when compared with prior methods employing carbon dioxide at atmospheric temperature, is the improvement in the eilfectiveness and range of application that results from the high percentage of snow yield obtained when the low temperature liquid carbon dioxide is permitted to suddenly expand. Of course, the lower the temperature at which the liquid carbon dioxide is discharged, the greater the percentage of yield of snow.

The energy possessed by a discharged stream of fire extinguishing medium is, of course, the factor which determines the ability of the stream to penetrate strong air currents rising above and around a fire zone and to counteract or overcome high velocity natural winds. The energy of any moving body is equal to one-half of the product of the mass of the body times the square of its velocity. Therefore, when it is considered that a discharged stream of carbon dioxide is made up of a mixture of snow particles and vapors and the snow is many times more dense, or possesses much greater mass per unit of volume, thanthe vapors, it will be appreciated that the percentage of snow possessed by a stream or this e'xtinguishof volume,- than a stream made up of twenty per cent snow, the yield provided when liquid carbon dioxide at a temperature of 86 F. is suddenly released, the first mentioned stream must necessarily possess more energy. For a given velocity and amount of air resistance, therefore, the forty-five percent snow stream is capable of being projected to and providing an extinguishing conoentration at a greater distance than the twenty percent snow stream.

With the above facts in mind, experiments were carried on for the purpose or developing a way or increasing the range of a discharge or carbon dioxide. obtained from any given temperature liquid. As any improvement in ener y obtained as a result of increasing the velocity of discharge would impose a penalty in the form of greater air entrainment by the discharged medium, and as'any reasonable increase in velocity that might be desired to effect an increase in energy could be obtained by merely reducing the diameter of the discharge opening for the carbon dioxide,.the experiments were limited to attempts 'to increase the mass per unit of volume 'or the A discharge and reduce the eflfect orair resistance.

As a result of these experiments, it was finally determined that by separating all or substantially all of the snow from a substantial portion of or all of the vapors and collecting and concentrating the thus separated snow into one portion of the cross sectional area of the discharged stream,-

the density or this stream, or the compact arrange of the snow .particles, was such that less surface was directly exposed to the resistance offered by the air. The ratio of air resistance'to mass per unit of volume 01' this stream portion, therefore, was very much more favorable than that of any corresponding unit 01' volume of a stream which was formed by discharging the same amount of carbon dioxide at the same rate but with the snow distributed in a normal or natural manner throughout the entire cross sectional area of the stream. Due to the unusually high mass to air resistance ratio possessed by this concentrated stream portion, its effective range and penetrating characteristics were found to be easily twice those of a stream of equal volume which had its snow distributed in a normal manner.

It was further determined that if the separated snow was discharged in such a manner as to form the core 0! the complete, composite discharge or stream and the separated vapors were arranged to enclose or.surround the snow core, the vapors not only shielded the snow from the resistance ofler'ed by the air but theyprovided the further advantage of retarding sublimation of the snow with the-result that the snow core retained its core into a stream portion of comparatively small diameter, itwas possible toproject the same a long distance from the discharge device, or noz- .will be appar nt d n ale, and yet maintain a flre extinguishing concentration of carbon dioxide even when the discharge was called upon to buck or oppose high velocity natural winds.

It will be appreciated that the above noted improvements were eflected independently of any regard for the temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide employed as a source of supply and the percentage of snow yield. Of course, the effectiveness of this novel form.af discharge is increased in direct proportion to any increase in the percentage of snow charge. Therefore, the use of this carbon dioxide discharge method and apparatus in connection with the low temperature carbon dioxide covered by the aforementioned patent to Eric Geertz provides the most satisfactory results. I

It is the primary object of this invention toby the disis connected one end of the stem or shank ll.-

This stem or shank is provided with a bore l4,

see Figs. 2 and 3, for delivering the liquid C0:

provide an improved method of discharging carbon. dioxide for extinguishing fires. I

A further important object of the invention is to provide apparatus for discharging carbon dioxide for theextinguishment of outdoor fires by direct application of the extinguishing medium.

Another object of the invention isthe provision of a method of increasing the effective range and penetrating characteristics of a discharge of carbon dioxide so that it may be successfully employed for combatting fires which involve relatively large areas, such asthe surface of a sizable body of inflammable liquids, or which is burning at a location that cannot be closely approached by persons directing the discharge, either because of the inaccessibility of the location of the fire or the intensity of the heat developed by the same, and for fighting outdoor fires where high velocity natural winds frequently ofler considerable opposition to the proper application of this type of extinguishing medium.

Otherobjects and advantages of the invention the cours of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which like numeralsare employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Figure. 1 is a front elevational view of the preferred form of carbon dioxide discharge apparatus embodying this-invention,

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1,

Figure 3 is 'a detail, front elevational viewof a shank or stem element which forms a part of the discharge apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2,

Figure 4 is a detail, inner or rear elevational view of a deflector member that is mounted on and directly cooperates with the stem or shank member of Fig. 3,

Figure 5 is a detail perspective view of one of acircular series of flow controlling or directing imits which is incorporated in the nozzle of Figs.

and 2, g 4

Figures 8 to 8 inciusiveare projection views of a deflecting and separating element which forms a part of each one of the units illustrated from the pipe II to the interior of the body of th discharge apparatus. .The outer end I! of this bore communicates with the interior of a deflector element, which will be described in detail at a later point, and cooperates with this element to form a flow path for the liquid carbon dioxide. This outer end of the stem or shank body has formed thereon a radially extending flange II which is formed with a circular series of'orlflces I! through which the liquid carbon dioxide is re-. leasedto permit sudden expansion so that its pressure will.drop below 75 pounds per square inch, absolute, which wfll cause a certain percentage of the liquid to'flash to snow and the remainder to vaporize. This flange, additionally,

is provided'with a circular series of internally threaded openings I8, for a purpose to be explaired at a later point. Exteriorly, the stem or shank is shaped to provide the rearwardly curved or flared surface l9 that terminates in a shoulder 20. I

Figs. 1, 2 and 4 disclose the deflector element M which is secured to the flange it of the stem or shank i3 by means of the series of sci'cws deflector is provided with a conically shaped projection 23 that is axially aligned with the bore '4 of theshank or stem. Outwardly of this spreading projection 23, the interior of the deflector is provided with the curved surfaces that function to change thedirection of flow of the liquid carbon dioxide so that it will be directed rearwardly to the discharge orifica- The inner or rear portion of the deflector II is belled qr curved outwardly at 25 to form an internal curved surface 26 that directly opposes and cooperates with the curved exterior surface is of 'the stem or shank It. It will be seen, by inspecting Fig. 2, that these cooperating surfaces It andv 2t diverge with respect toeach other, when considered in any radial section, to-form an annular passageway that gradually increases in depth. This increase in the passageway permits further expansion of the released medium so that the J pressure of the same will drop still further and provide for further flashing of whatever liquid may happen to remain as a part of the mixture.

The outer end portion or front of the deflec-' tor is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 as being of ribbed: formation. Theseribs 21 radiate from the center or axis of the deflector to form valleys 28. Fig. 2 shows these valleys as'having curved surfaces 29 which-will deflect forwardly any of the discharge medium which .comes' incontact with the same.

A chambered body or casing is provided for enclosing the deflector 2| and the cooperating portion of the stem or shank if, as well as other structural elements *which will be described at a later point. This chambered body or casing is formed by the inner and outer portions 30 and 3| respectively. The inner portion 30 is dished and is centrally cut away at 32 to allow the stem or shank l3 to pass therethrough. The shoulder 23 forming the flared portion of the stem or shank acts as a seat or an abutment for the portion of the body part 33, which surrounds the opening 32, to bear against. The body or casing part 33 may be secured to this shoulder portion 23 of the stem or shank l3 by any suitable means. such as by welding or the use of suitable screws.

The outer part 3| of the body or casing is illustrated as being of cylindrical shape. The inner edge portion of the same overlaps or is telescoped with respect to the outer marginal portion of the inner part 35 to provide a lapped joint 33.

This joint may be rendered permanent by welding or by any other suitable means. It will be seen, by inspecting Figs. 1 and 2 that the body or casing of the discharge apparatus cooperates withthe stem or shank I3 to provide a closed rear wall while leaving the front entirely open.

cular series of flow controlling and directing units 34, one of which is illustrated in detail in Fi 5.

These units 34 are equally spaced around and extend radially of the stem or shank l3 and the deflector 2|. Each one of the units includes a 'semi-circular or semi-cylindrical band 35 which is flanged at 35, or at both of its longitudinal edges. The inner transverse edge 31 ofeach one of these bands is suitably anchored either in close proximity to or in contact with the periphery of the flared portion or surface ill of the stem or shank l3. The outer edge 33 of each one of these bands 35 terminates in the plane of the outer face or side of the mechanism; i. e., in the plane of the outer edge of the body or casing part3| and the outer edges of the ribs 21 formed on the deflector 2|.

are of V or wedge shape in section with securing flanges 43 formed at the sides-thereof. These mounting flanges are employed for securing, such as by welding, the element in its proper place within a unit 34. Figs. 2 and 5 disclose these deflecting and separating elements as being arranged with respect to the side wall openings 4! so that the laterally sloping surfaces 44 of each element will split or spread any material flowing through the interior of a unit 34 and engaging the same so that this material will be deflected through the cooperating side wall openings 4|.

associated bands. In other words, a space or The opposite sides of each one of these units.

34 are formed by wall members 39 which lie inside of the edge flanges 36 and are suitably securedthereto; By inspecting Figs. 1 and 5. it will be seen that the opposed side walls of each gap is left between the inner surface of the band 35 ofeach unit 34' and the outer edge of its associated deflecting and-separating element 42 through which material may flow to the outer edge 38 of the band 35..

The mode of operation of this discharge apparatus or nozzle now will be described. Liquid carbon dioxide of any desired temperature will be delivered to the bore of the shank or stem l3 by the supply pipe I This liquid carbon dioxide flows through the open end i5 and into the interior of the deflector 2|. The conical point 23 formed on the inside of this deflector splits the liquid carbon dioxide as it leaves the open end l5 and directs the flowing medium radially out" wardly in all directions. The curved surface 24 that surrounds the conical projection 23 causes the outwardly deflected liquid to smoothly reverse its direction of flow so that it will be delivered to the discharge orifices l.

The sudden expansion of the liquid carbon. dioxide as it leaves the orifices I1 causes the liquid to flash and vaporize. The carbon dioxide that enters the space formed between outwardly flared surfaces l9 and 26, therefore, takes the form of a mixture of snow and vapors. Depending upon the temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide flowing through the stem orshank l3, s.

,ce rtain percentage of the same will flash into adjacentpair of units 34 are formed by a single piece of sheet, material. The center orintermediate portion of eachone of these side wall forming pieces is designated in these two figures by the reference character 43. These portions 43 function to bridge the gap or space between the inner edges or sides of adjacent units 34.

They bear against the peripheral edge of the flared inner portion 25 of the deflector 2|. These side wall forming pieces 39-40, therefore, hinterconnect adjacent units 30 and thereby act as spacers and bracing means for the same. The bands 35 of the unit may be suitably connected or attached to the inner body or casing part 30 to provide additional rigidity for the units and,

in addition, to cause the units to brace and reinsnow. The remainder of the liquid will be vaporized. The expansion and pressure drop that occurs while the medium is flowing between the outwardly flaring surfaces I9 and 26 will be sufllcient to cause any liquid which may remainin the mixture to be converted. The entire discharge from the peripheral mouth, formed by the peripheral edges of the surfaces l3 and 26, will consist of a mixture of snow and vapors.

The snow and vapor mixture, as it leaves the peripheral mouth formed by the stem or shank l3 and the deflector 2| will be flowing in a radial direction. Some portions of the mixture -will pass directly into the various flow controltively close to the outer edges 38 of the bands 35. 3

Each flow controlling and directing'unit 34 has mounted within the same a, plow-shaped deflecting and separating element 42. These elements ling and directing units 34. The remainder of the mixture will be split and deflected laterally in opposite directions by the axially extending portions 43 of the side wall forming pieces 39. These portions of the mixture, therefore, will be directed into the several units 34.

All of the snow and vapor mixture discharged from the aforesaid peripheral mouth would flow in a truly.radial direction, or in a straight line, if it were left alone or unobstructed. The flow controlling and directing units 34, however, deflect this truly radial or straight line flow and convert it into a curvilinear flow or motion. The inner surfaces .of the bands 35 of the units are responsible for this change in direction of moand directing units 84 are called upon to convert the intended straight line motion of the snow and vapor mixture into a curvilinear motion. These bands, therefore, provide the force referred to in the above set forth principle of physics. As the carbon dioxide snow of'the mixture is many times more dense than the carbon dioxide vapors, and as the velocity of both of these components is thesame, the snow offers more resistance to the deflecting force. The snow, therefore, will move to the outer side of the curvilinear path of flow the material is compeiledto assume by the curved band 35 of each unit. The snow, in seeking this outer portion of the path, will crowd or force the vapors inwardly away from the inner surface of the respective bands 35. The difference in density of the snow as compared to the vapors, therefore, eifects a segregation of these two components. The snow is segregated at and close to the outer side 'of the curvilinear path and the vapors are segregated on the inner side of the path.

As the segregated snow and vapors reach the outer side of each one of the flow controlling and directing units 34, the snow passes through the gap or space left between the inner surface of its-band 35' and the outer edge of its flow splitting and separating element 42. The inwardly positioned, segregated vapors, however, strike the sloping surfaces 44 of an element 42 and are directed laterally through the side wall openings 4| into the portions of the body or casing which lie between adjacent units 34. The thus separated snow passes radially inwardly beyond the edge 38 of each band 35 and is directed into one of the valleys 28 of the deflector 2|. The curved inner surface 29 of each valley 28 deflects the snow so that it will flow or will be discharged to the atmosphere in an axial direction with respect to the entire apparatus. This discharge of all ing concentration of carbon dioxide is provided up toa distance of approximately twenty-five feet when wind velocities of from forty-five to flfty miles an hour are encountered. In the presence of normal winds of approximately flfteen miles an hour velocity, an entirely satisfactory flre extinguishing concentration exists up to ap-.

Coming now to the disclosure of Figs. 9 and I 10, the reference character 46 designates the stem or shank of this modified form of, carbon dioxide dischargeapparatus. This stem or shank is adapted to be connected to any suitable supply pipe which in turn is connected to a source of supply of liquid carbon dioxide at any desired temperature. The bore 41 of this stem or shank 48 is provided with a discharge or release orifice 48 at its outer end and through which liquid of. the separated snow from all of the units 34 causes the same to be assembled int a compact, dense stream.

The separated vapors will leave the, spaces between the adjacent units 34 and will flow in an axial direction relative to the discharge apparatus. The vapors, however, are discharged outwardly of the snow stream so that the resultant composite discharge will be made up of a dense snow core surrounded by or enclosed in a vapor tube or envelope.

. From this description of the mode of operation of the discharge apparatus disclosed in Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive, it will b appreciated that theapparatus fully carries out the principles developed as a result of the research experiments carbon dioxide is permitted to suddenly expand into the inner part 49 of the discharge apparatus body or casing. This sudden release of the liquid carbon dioxide permits the same to expand for conversion into a mixture of carbon dioxide snow and vapors.

A deflector 50 is attached to the rear wall ll of the body or casing part 48 by means of the screws 52. Spacers 53 are provided between the deflector 5|! and the-body or casing wall II to provide an expansion chamber for the carbon dioxide mixture. At the periphery of the rear portion of the deflector 50 an annular mouth 55 is formed through which the carbon dioxide mixture is released into the interior of the body or casing of the discharge apparatus. The carbon dioxide snow and vapor mixture released or discharged from this mouth 55 would normally travel in a truly' radial direction or'in straight lines extending radially of the axis of the apparatus.

The inner surface 58 of the inner or rear body or casing part 49 is dish-shaped to provide a curved peripheralportion. This curved portion cooperates with a correspondingly curved surface portion Slformed on the interior of the outer body or casing portion 58; These two curved surface portions function to convert the straight line motion of the carbon dioxide mixture into a curvilinear motion which, as has been explained above, will bring about a segregation of the snow and the vapors with the snow seeking the outer portion of the path as a result of its greater density. I

The outer body or casing'part it is detachably secured to the inner body or casing part 49 by means of a suitable number of screws 59. These screws 59 are received in holes formed in ribs 9r projections 60 and BI which are arranged at uniformly spaced intervals on the curved surface portions 56 and-l1 above referred to. Fig. 9 clearly discloses these ribs or projections as being of wedge shape with their edges 62 presented to the flow of carbon dioxide mixture from the aforementioned chamber mouth II.

These wedge shaped projections, therefore, will split the flow laterally in opposite directions.

The outer body or casing part 58 isconstructed to provide an internal frusto-conical wall portion 63 that is formed with a discharge opening 64 at its apex or outer edge. Radially arranged lower temperatured liquid.

slots or openings .66 are formed in this wall 63.

tween this wall 63 and the conical surface 500 of the deflector 50. These surface portions of -the wall 63, therefore, cooperate with the curved inner surface portions 56 and 51 in effecting segregation of the snow and the vapors. The segregrated snow, which has sought the outer side of the curvilinear path formed by the surfaces 56 and 51, will hug the inner exposed surface portions of the frusto-conic'al wall 63 and will crowd the segregated vapors toward the conical front surface 50a of the deflector 60. The thus segregated vapors will escape through. the bores of the deflecting and separating elementsor barriers 66 to be released through their associated slots or openings into the space 61 which is formed by the cylindrical wall 68 of the outer body or casingpart 58. This separated vaporcomponent of the carbon dioxide mixture will be discharged from the space 61 into the atmosphere in the form of a tubular stream or envelope.

The separated snow will pass along the exposed inner surface portions of the frusto-conical wall 63 until it reaches the discharge opening 64 when it will be released to the atmosphere. The discharged, separated snow, therefore, will form a condensed core for the composite discharge. That is to say, the dense snow discharge will form a core stream that is enclosed-within the tubular vapor stream discharged from the space From the above description, it will be seen that this discharge apparatus of Figs. 9 and 10 operates in the same general manner as the discharge apparatus' of Figs. 1 to 8inclusive. In .both structures, liquid carbon dioxide is discharged or released in a manner to permit-sudden expansion of the same and to cause it to be converted into a mixture of snow and vapors. 1

The mixture is then caused to flow truly radially or to at least start to partake of straight line motion.

Both structures then provide means for converting the straight line motion of the mixture to a curvilinear motion which will effect segregation of the snow and'the vapors. Deflecting and separating elements function to part ordivide the segregated snow from the segregated vapors and to cause the vapors to escape through suitable openings into a discharge zone or chamber which is formed by a peripheral wall part of the outer body or casing portion. The separated snow is brought together and discharged as the core of the flnal composite stream.

The apparatus of Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive is the vpreferred embodiment of the invention because it eifects more complete separation of the snow from the vapors and, for that reason, is capable of handling to a better advantage the higher pertaken as examples-of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size,'and arrangement oi parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subioined claims.

Having thus described the invention, I claim:

1. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for fire extinguishing purposes, comprisin conducting the liquid through a path of confinement to a region of release, releasing the liquid from said path to permit sudden expansion of the same to effect its conversion into a mixture of carbon dioxide snow and vapors, deflecting the flowing mixture to effect a departure from its normal straight line path of movement, continuing the deflection of the moving mixture until the difference in'density of the snow and the vapors effects a substantial segregation of these components into difierent portions of the flow, and flnally discharging the carbon dioxide to the atmosphere in its thus segregated condition.

2. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for fire extinguishing purposes, comprising conducting the liquid through a path of confinement to a region of release, releasing the liquid from said path to permit sudden expansion of the same toeifect its conversion into a mixture of carbon vdioxide snow and vapors, deflecting the flowing mixture to eflfect a departure from its centage of snow yield which is obtained from the normal straight line path of movement, continuing the deflection of the moving mixture until the difference in density of the snow and the vapors eifects a substantial segregation of these components into different portions of the flow, and flnally discharging the carbon dioxide to the atmosphere with the segregated snow forming the core of the stream. I

3. A method of dischar liquid. carbon dioxide for flre extinguishing purposes, comprising conducting the liquid through a path of confinement to a region of release, releasing the liquid from said path to permit sudden expansion of the same to effect its conversion into a mixture of carbon dioxide snow and vapors, deflecting the. flowing mixture to eifect a departure from its normal straight line path of movement, continuing the deflection oi the moving mixture until the diilerence in density of the snow and the vapors. effects a substantial segregation of these components into diiferent portions of the flow, and flnaliy discharging the carbon dioxide to the atmosphere with the segregated snow and vapors emerging from separate openings.

4. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for fire extinguishing purposes, comprising conducting the liquid through a path of confine,

of carbon dioxide snow and vapors, deflecting the flowing mixture to effect a departure from its normal straight line path of movement, con tinuing the deflection of the moving mixture until the di'iference in density of the snow and the vapors effects a' substantial segregation of these componentsv into different portions of the flow,

and flnally discharging the carbon dioxide to the atmosphere with the segregated snow emerging in a singlecondensed stream and with the segregated'vapors emerging as several streams arranged to merge and encircle or surround said snowstream.

'5. A method of'dilcharging liquid carbon dioxide for fire extinguishing purposes, comprising ment to a region or release, releasing the liquid from said path to permit sudden expansion of the same to effect its conversion into a mixture of carbon dioxide snow and vapors, deflecting the flowing mixture to efiect a departure from its normal straight line path of movement, continuing the deflection or the moving mixture until the difference in density or the snow and the vapors efiects a substantial segregation of these components into difierent portions of the fiow, and finally discharging the carbon dioxide to the atmosphere in the form of a composite stream with the segregated snow forming a dense core for the stream and with the segregated vapors forming an enclosing envelope.

6. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for fire extinguishing purposes, comprising conducting the liquid through a path of confinement to a region of release, releasing th liquid from said path to permit sudden expansion or the same to effect its conversion into a mixture of carbon dioxide snow and vapors, deflecting the flowing mixture to efiect a departure from its normal straight line path of movement, continuing th deflection of the moving mixture until the diiference in density or the snow and the vapors eflects a substantial-segregation of these components into different portions or the flow, effecting-separation oi the segregated snow and vapors, and finally discharging the separated snow and vapors through different openings to theatmosphere.

7; A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for fire extinguishing purposes, comprise ing conducting the liquid through a path of conversion into a mixture of carbon dioxide snow and vapors, deflecting the flowing mixture radially outwardly and then inwardly through a curvilinear path of sufilcient length to cause the oxide for fire extinguishing purposes, comprising conducting the liquid through a path of confinement to a region of release, releasing the liquid from said path through an orifice to permit sudden expansion 01' the same to eii'ect its conversion into a mixture of carbon dioxide snow and vapors, deflecting the flowing mixture radially outwardly and then inwardly through a curvilinear path of sufficient length to cause the difierence' in density of the snow and the vapors to effect a substantial segregation 01' these components with the snow seeking the outer side of the curve, efiecting'separation of-thesegregated' snow and vapors, and finally discharging the separated snow and vapors to the atmosphere in finement to a region or release, releasing the liquid irom said path through an orifice to permit sudden expansion of the same to affect its conversion into a mixture of carbon dioxide snow and vapors, deflecting the flowing mixture radially outwardly and then inwardly with respect to the orifice through a curvilinear path of ,sufilcient length to cause the difierence in density 0! the snow and the vapors to eflect a substantial segregation of these components with the snow seeking the outer side of the curve, and finally discharging the carbon dioxide to the atmosphere in its segregated condition.

8. A method or discharging liquid carbon dioxide ror'fire extinguishing P s, comprising conducting the liquid through a path or confinement to a region of release, releasing the liquid from said path through an orifice to .permit sudden expansion of the same to effect its conversion into a mixture or carbon dioxide sng and vapors, deflecting the flowing mixture radially outwardly and then inwardly through a bumlinear path of sufllcient length to cause the diflerence'in density or the snow and the vapors to effect a substantial segregation of these components with the snow seeking the outer side ofthe curve, continuing the deflection oi. the segregated snow until it canbe discharged to the at-. mosphere in the form or a single dense stream, and releasing the segregated vapors so that they will form an enclosing envelope for the snow stream.

9. A method of discharging liquid carbon di-- oxide for-fire extinguishing purposes, comprising den .expanslon'ot the same to eflect its conthe form of a composite stream with the separated snow forming a dense core for the stream and with the separated vapors forming an enclosing envelope. l a

11. Fire extinguishing apparatus for discharging liquid carbon dioxide-,- comprising a chambered body, a tubular stem carried by the body and havingan orifice through which carbon dioxide may be released into the interior oi. the body to form a mixture of snow and vapors therein, means within the body for causing the snow and the vapors of the mixture to become segregated while flowing therethrough, and means for effecting discharge of. the segregated snow and vapors to the atmosphere.

12. Fire extinguishing apparatus for discharging liquid carbon dioxide, comprising a chainbered body, a tubular stem carried by the body and having an orifice through which carbon dioxide may be released into the interior of the body tororm a mixture of snow and vapors therein, means within the body for causing the mixture to travel a substantially curvilinear path of sufilcient length to cause the difference in density of the snow and the vapors to eifect a substantial segregation of these components. and means for effecting discharge of the semgated snow and body, a tubular stem carried by the body and having an orifice through which liquid carbon dioxide may be released into the interior of the body to, form a mixture or snow and vapors therein, media within the body for causing the snow and the vapors of the mixture to become segregated while fiowing therethrough, and means for effecting discharge of the segregated snow and vapors to the atmosphere in a composite stream with the snow forming the core thereof.

' 14. Fire extinguishing apparatus for discharg- 118 liquid carbon dioxide, comprising a chambered body,atubularstem-carriedbythebodyand havingan orifice throu h which liquid carbon dioxide may be released into the interior of the body to form a mixture oisnow-and vapors there in, means within the body for causing the mixture to travel a substantially curvilinear path of sufiicient length to cause the dlflerence in density of the snow and the vapors to eflect a substan-- tial segregation of these components, and means for efl'ecting discharge of the segregated snow and vapors to the atmosphere in a composite stream with the snow forming the core thereof.

15. Fire extinguishing apparatus -ior discharging liquid carbon dioxide, comprising a chambered body, a tubular stem carried by the body and providing an inlet orifice through which liquid carbon dioxide may be released into the interior of the bodyto form a mixture of snow and vapors therein, means within the body for causing the snow and the vapors of the mixture to become segregated while flowing therethrough, means for effecting discharge of the segregated snow to the atmosphere in a single dense stream, and means tor effecting discharge of the scaregated vapors to the atmosphere as several streams arranged to merge and encircle or surround such snow stream. v

16. Fire extinguishing apparatus for discharging liquidcarbon dioxide, comprising a chambered body, a tubular stem carried by the body and providing an inlet orifice through which liquid carbon dioxide may be released into the interior of the body, to form a mixture of snow and vapors therein, meanswithin the body for causing the mixture to travel a substantially curvilinear path of sufiicient length to cause the difference in density of the snow and the vapors'to effect a substantial segregation of these components, means for efiecting discharge of the segregated snow to the atmosphere in a single dense stream, and means for effecting discharge of the segregated vapors to the atmosphere as several streams arranged to merge and encircle or surround said snow stream.

17. Fire extinguishing apparatus for discharging liquid carbon dioxide, comprising a chambered body, a tubular stem carried by the body and having an orifice through which liquid carbon dioxide may be released into the interior or the body to form a mixture or snow and vapors there'- in, means within the bodyfo'r causing thesnow and the vapors of the mixture to become se regated while flowing therethrough, means operatively associated with the segregating means to eflect separation or the segregated snow and vapors, and means ior efi'ecting discharge of the separated snow and vapors to the atmosphere.

18. Fire g apparatus for discharging liquid carbon dioxide, comprising a cham- .beredbodmatubularstemcarriedbythebody and having m orifice through which liquid carbon dioxide may be released into the interior of the body to form a mixture of snow and vapors therein, means'within the bodyifor causing the mixture to travel a curvilinear path 01." sufllcient length to, cause the difierence in density or the snow and the vapors to'efiect a substantial segregation of these components, meansoperatlvelyassociated withthe 1 w means to effect separation of the ated and vapors, and means or eflecting discharge of theseparated snowand vaporstotheat'mosphere.

19. Flre'exting'uishing apparatus for dischargmgliquidc'arbon dioxide, oomprisingachambered body, a tubular stem' carried by the body and havinganoriiicethroughwhichliquidcarbondi 'nxldemaybereleased intotheinterior or'the bodytoi'orm'amixtmeotsnowandvapontherein,meanswithinthebody'torcanslngthemow andvapormixtureto bedeflectedradiallyout-.

, to the atmosphere.

20. Fire extinguishing apparatus for discharging liquid carbon dioxide, comprising a hollow body through which a mixture of carbon dioxide snow and vapors passes, and means within the body for separating snow and vapors from each other while passing therethrough .and for discharging the same to. the atmosphere with the vapors shieding the snow from the atmosphere.

21. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for fire extinguishing purposes, comprising eflecting sudden release of the liquid to lower its pressure sutnciently to form a mixture of snow and vapors, effecting separation of snow and vapors from each other and forming the separated snow. and vapors into a discharge stream with the vapors shielding the snow from the atmosphere.

22. Fire extinguishing apparatus for discharge,

ing liquid carbon dioxide, comprising a chambered body, means for effecting sudden release of liquid carbon dioxide into the interior of the body to form a mixture of snow and vapors therein, means within the body for causing the mixture to travel a substantially curvilinear path of sufllcient length to cause the diflerence in density of the snow and the vapors to eflect a substantial segregation of these components, and means for effecting discharge of the segregated snow and vapors to the atmosphere.

23. Fire extinguishing apparatus for discharging liquid carbon dioxide, comprising a chambered body, means for efiecting sudden release of liquid carbon dioxide into the interior of the body to form a mixture of snow' and vapors therein, means within the body for causing the snow and vapors of the mixture to become segregated while fiowing therethrough, and means for eflecting discharge of the segregated snow .and vapors to the atmosphere in a composite stream with the snow iorming the core thereof.

, 24. Fire extinguishing apparatus for discharging liquid carbon dioxide, comprising a chambered body, means for effecting sudden release of liquid carbondioxideinto the interior of the body to form a of snow and vapors therein, means within the body for causing the mixture to travel a substantially curvilinear path of sufllcient length to cause the diflerence in density of the snow and the vapors to elect a substantial segregation of these components, means for efiecting discharge or the segregated snow to the in a single dense stream, and means for electing discharge of the e r gated vapors to the atmosphere as several streams arranged to merge and encircle or surround said snow stream.

25. Fire extinguishing apparatus for discharging liquid carbon dioxide, comprising a cham- V beredbody, means for electing sudden release length to e segregated while flowing therethrough, means operatively associated with the segregating means to eifect separation of the segregated snow and vapors, and means for effecting discharge of the segregated snow and vapors to the atmosphere.

26. Fir extinguishing apparatus for discharging liquid carbon dioxide, comprising a cham bered body, means for e'ifecting sudden release of liquid carbon dioxide into the interior of the body to form a mixture of snow and vapors therein, means within the body for causing the mixture to-travel a substantially curvilinear path of sufficient length to cause the difierence in density of the snow and the vapors to effect a substantial segregation of these components, means operatively associated with the segregating means to effect separation of the segregated snow and vapors, and means for effecting discharge of the separated snow and vapors to'the atmosphere.

27. Fire. extinguishing apparatus for discharging liquid carbon dioxide, comprising a chambered body open at its front, means for effecting sudden release of liquid carbon dioxide intothe chamber of said body to form a mixture of snow and vapors, aplurality of flow controlling and directing means arranged in the chamber of said a body to receive the mixture of snow and vapors,

" directing means arranged in the chamber of said body to receive the mixture of snow and vapors,

each of said last mentioned means being con-.

structed .to cause the portion of the mixture it receives to travel a curvilinear path of sufficient length to e'fiect segregation of the snow and vapors and to separately release the snow and the vapors into the chamber of said body, and

means for effecting discharge of the several'segregations of snow and vapors through the open front of the body to form a composite stream.

29. Fire extinguishing apparatus for discharging liquid carbon dioxide, comprising a chambered body-open at its front, means for effecting sudden release of liquid carbon dioxide into the sudden release of liquid carbon dioxide into the chamber of said body to form a mixture of snow and vapors traveling radially outwardly thereof in all directions, flow controlling and directing means arranged in the chamber of said body to receive the radially outwardly travelin mixture of snow and vapors and cause it to travel curvilinearly a sufilcient distance to effect segregation of the snow and vapors, means for collecting the segregated snow at the end of its travel and discharging it throughthe open front of the body as a single dense stream, and means for separating the segregated vapors from the snow and effecting discharge of the vapors through the open front of the body in such a manner as to cause the snow stream to be encircled or surrounded thereby.

31. Fire extinguishing apparatus for discharging'liquid carbon dioxide, comprising a chambered body open at its front, mean for effecting sudden release of liquid carbon dioxide into the chamber of said body to form a mixture of snow and vapors traveling radially outwardly thereof in all directions, a circular series of radially extending fiow controlling and directing means arranged in the chamber of, said body to receive separate portions of the radially outwardly traveling mixture of snow and vapors and cause said portions, to travel curvilinear paths of sufficient length to effect segregation of the snow and vapors, means for collecting the several segregations of snow from the series of flow controlling and directing means and discharging them through the open front of the body as a single dense stream, and means for effecting discharge of the vapor segregations through theopen front of the body in such a manner as to cause them to merge and encircle or surround the snow stream.

32. Fire extinguishing apparatus for discharging liquid carbon dioxide, comprising a chambered body open at its front, means for effecting sudden release of liquid carbon dioxide into the chamber of said body to form a mixture of snow and vapors traveling radially outwardly thereof in all directions, a circular series. of radially extending flow controlling and-directing mean arranged in the chamber of said body to receive separate portions of the radially outwardly traveling mixture of snow and vapors and cause said portions to travel curvilinear paths of sumcient length to effect segregation of the snow and vapors,

.[means for collecting the several segregations of chamber of said body to form a mixture of snow and vapors, a plurality of flow controlling and directing means arranged in the chamber of said body to receive the mixture of snow and vapors, each of said last mentioned means .oon-

structed to cause-the portion of the mixture it receives to gavel'a curvilinear path of suflicient ect segregation of the snow and vapors and to separately release the snow and the vapors into the chamber of said body, means for collecting the several segregations of snow and dischargin them through the open front of the body as a single dense stream and means for effecting discharge. of the vapor w ens through the open front of" the body such a manner as to cause them to merge and encircle or surround the snowstream. I -30. Fire extinguishing apparatus for-discharging liquid carbon dioxide, comprising a-chambased body openatits front, means for 15 .snow from the series of flow controlling and directing means and dischargingthem through the open front of the body as a single dense stream;

and means for releasing the ted vapors from the series of flow controlling and directing means into the chamber of the body radially outwardly of the region in which the snow segregations are collected so that the vapors can be discharged through the open front of the body in suchamannerastocausethemowatreamtobc encircled or surrounded thereby.

33. Fire extinguishing apparatus for discharging liquid carbon dioxide, comprising a charm Y .bered body open at its front, means for eifecting sudden release of liquid carbon dioxide into" the chamber of said body to form a mixture of snow and vapors traveling radiallyoutwardly thereof in all directions, a circular series of radially extending flow controlling and directing means arranged in the chamber "of said body to receive up arate portions of the radially outwardly traveling mixture of snow and vapors and cause said portions to travel curvilinear paths of mm ient length to effect segregation of the snow and vapors, meansfor collecting the several segregations of snow from the series or flow controlling and directing means and discharging them through the open'front of the body as a single dense stream, and openings formed in the sides of the flow controlling and directing means for releasing the segregatedvapors into the chamopen front of the body in such a manner as to cause the snow stream to be encircled or surrounded thereby.

HILDING V. WILLIAMSON. 

